WDC joins national Beyond the Cliff coalition to advance upward mobility for working families
With support from the Kresge Foundation, coalition includes 70+ partners across 27 states tackling barriers to economic mobility
Seattle, WA (November 12, 2025) – The Workforce Development Council (WDC) of Seattle-King County is proud to reaffirm its participation in the Beyond the Cliff coalition, a growing national network of more than 70 organizations committed to eliminating the benefits cliff—a persistent barrier that prevents many working families from achieving lasting financial stability.
The coalition now spans 27 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, uniting nonprofit workforce and social service organizations, state and local governments, and multi-sector collaboratives around a shared mission: helping families achieve economic prosperity that endures beyond public assistance.
Last month, coalition members convened in Washington, D.C., to present a set of six policy reforms—developed with advocates, policy experts, and individuals directly impacted by the benefits cliff—designed to help families transition off public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and childcare subsidies without falling into financial crisis. Read the full Policy Agenda here.
“Employment alone doesn’t always equal economic stability,” said Marie Kurose, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. “In a region with the highest cost of living in the state, families shouldn’t have to choose between advancing their careers and losing the support that keeps them afloat. By aligning workforce innovation with policy reform, we can create real pathways to economic mobility.”
The WDC’s work to address the benefits cliff includes advocating for state-level policy changes that provide a transition period with 100% earnings disregard for up to 12 months—allowing families to increase their income and advance in their careers without immediate loss of benefits. This advocacy complements WDC’s broader strategy to align workforce, education, and human services systems around equitable opportunity.
Full list of Beyond the Cliff coalition members
About Beyond the Cliff
Beyond the Cliff is a national network of practitioners focused on eliminating benefits cliffs through policy and innovation, ensuring all families have the resources and opportunities to advance economically. The coalition is convened by the nonprofit Martha O’Bryan Center. Learn more at www.beyondthecliffcoalition.org.
About the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
The Workforce Development Council (WDC) of Seattle-King County is a nonprofit organization driving regional strategies to create a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient workforce system. We bring together public, private, and community partners to remove barriers, align resources, and support economic opportunity for all—especially those furthest from it. Learn more at seakingwdc.org.